STATEN ISLAND -- Although the U.S. Navy doesn't look a day over 236, its 237th birthday rolled around Friday.

Never one to waste the opportunity for a celebration, Borough President James Molinaro played host at a flag-raising and ceremonial cake-cutting to fete the seagoing service.

In the photo at right, snapped in Paulo Park at Borough Hall, St. George,guest speaker Capt. Steven T. Beldy stands left center. On his left hand is James E. Brown, president of the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 226; on his right hand is Navy Lt. Travis Gardner, Coast Guard chaplain. The other participants are Navy Recruiting District New York personnel and members of the Fleet Reserve Association.